Digital Platforms

Insurers’ recent SEC filings indicate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is continuing its investigation into whether mortgage insurers are complying with federal real-estate law.

The technology challenges business models by potentially eroding premiums and profits, but also offers an opportunity for differentiation in a market historically driven by price.

Job numbers in all IT sectors grow as CIOs look to turn temporary positions into openings for full-time IT professionals.

Net income at Allianz rises 23 percent in the second quarter.

At an upcoming FACI meeting, international regulatory rules, including ComFrame, are expected to be the main topic of discussion.

American Safety, CNA, Hartford, MetLife, Prudential and Willis announce second-quarter results.

Underwriting service to link predictive analytics engine to the carrier's day-to-day decision-makers' workflow.

The property/casualty industry is facing a number of potentially transformational forces, including increasing competition, consumerization, the number of communications options for both agents and customers, social networking, and an evolving regulatory environment, according to Gartner’s “Hype Cycle for P&C Insurance, 2012.”

International insurance execs question the IAIS and Financial Stability Board's consideration of criteria for, and oversight of, firms too big to fail.

Mitchell says that, under the terms of the multi-year agreement, GAINSCO will implement WorkCenter Total Loss, developed in conjunction with J.D. Power and Associates, as well as Mitchell's assignment, repairable estimating and reporting solutions.

In a down economy, insurance fraud is on the increase, but companies such as Allstate, Erie Insurance and CNA tune their technology to fight fraud and organized crime.

The agency management system, AMS360, is expected to begin delivering by the end of this year.

‘Insurance Scorecard’ to offer business intelligence, advanced analytics, and single view of policy, claims data.

Independent agency selects cloud-based phone system in an attempt to increase mobility and improve communications, customer service.

Symetra Life Insurance Company purchased and is implementing FastTrack software from GettingHired LLC; the software is designed for employees on short- or long-term disability looking for help in returning to the workforce.

Despite approving additional share repurchases last week, insurer still considering deals similar to those made by WellPoint and Cigna earlier this year.

Two new studies amplify the benefits—especially for women—of working with financial advisors, and provide insight into a changing demographic for life insurers.

With a mobile app created by Streebo using IBM Web Experience software, ANICO expects to provide its sales force with what it needs to reach new customers.

Company seeks $7.4 billion for assets; Manulife Financial, AIA Group and KB Financial listed as interested buyers.

Analytics increasingly provide competitive differentiation for insurers and are at the heart of the industry’s transformation to a more customer-centric business model, according to “Data and Analytics in Insurance: The Dawn of a New Era,” from Strategy Meets Action.

Awareness of bank-sold life insurance improves; carriers designing simple products could benefit, LIMRA reports.

Chubb, Principal Financial and four others announce second-quarter results.

In a recent survey of data center facility managers, IT leaders and C-suite executives, consolidating servers and updating mechanical infrastructures appeared on the vast majority of to-do lists.

A recent survey found cyber attack to be among the world's top five threats, which means insurers have a big responsibility to help others, as well as themselves.

App designed to provide insurers with business performance analytics.

Congress aims to make crop insurance program more generous as farmers experience devastating droughts.

To successfully deliver e-signatures and e-delivery applications, insurers should begin by implementing them in a single process or product, according to a strategic analysis released by ACORD and developed by international law firm Locke Lord LLP.

New report examines coverage tools that P&C insurers offer and names the insurers that do it best.

In a new global survey, Accenture finds opportunity for life insurers to present clearer, more personalized information to win over these masses.

Robert Hartwig spoke to the industry’s strengths and resiliency before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Insurance Tuesday.

One-third of “transition boomers,” those aged 55 to 65 and who are 10 years or fewer away from retirement, are unsure how much money they will need to cover basic living expenses in retirement, according to “The Transition Boomers and Retirement Income Survey,” from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.

Insurers need a data mastery roadmap aligned to their business goals to avoid costly mistakes, according to new Celent report.

Aite Group report finds compliance and reporting, customer-centricity, multi-channel distribution and engagement prompt desire to modernize.

Persistently low interest rates are motivating insurers to diversify beyond fixed income into higher-return asset classes, including real estate, high-yield and emerging-market debt, and invest more in their risk management infrastructure, according to “Seeking Return in an Adverse Environment,” a survey of chief investment officers from KRC Research, sponsored by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM).

Injured Workers’ Insurance Fund expects to increase underwriting profitability, drive more business and gain greater appeal with agents.

Life, annuity and pension firms are struggling to generate profits for shareholders, members and policyholders due to the global economic slowdown, increased competition and low interest rates. This confluence of factors is leading many insurers to reassess which products and markets are to be considered strategic, and how to best manage the discontinued, unprofitable and non-strategic portions of their business, according “Strategies and Options for Managing Closed Blocks: Life, Annuities, and Pensions Edition,” a new report from Celent.

In 2011, only two companies in the segment became impaired, the smallest number since 1962.

For the 7th consecutive year, INN recognizes female insurance executives who have made outstanding contributions to their businesses.

Wireless carrier boosts network, hardware, and offers driver analytics and scoring to carriers interested in evaluating its Integrated Insurance Solutions product.

Given the second-quarter decline in the equity markets and no let up in other pressures, Fitch anticipates more modest full-year 2012 results than first-quarter improvements indicate.

Doubts surrounding global rules meant to make investors’ and insurers’ lives easier are increasing as the wait continues.

Competition for the individual retirement market is heating up as the number of baby boomers heading into retirement increases, creating an opportunity for insurers to attract new customers and their assets, according to “The Big Payout: Growing Individual Retirement Income Opportunities 2012,” a report from Conning Research & Consulting.

Cover-All policy administration, commercial lines products selected in an attempt to improve operating efficiency and growth.

Individuals with major driving violations, such as alcohol-related infractions and excessive speeding, have mortality rates—even non-vehicle-related deaths—that are 70 percent higher than individuals who do not, according to motor vehicle record study.

Insurer to implement Innovation Group's entire suite, including policy, claims and analytics elements.

Billing Stream, Claims Stream to be implemented in a multi-phased approach.

Insurer turns to policy management solution to increase automation and streamline disaster recovery underwriters’ workflow.

Diversification and reinsurance likely to prevent large net losses in the wake of widespread drought.

A.M. Best and Deloitte reports find that diversified carriers and those closest to the insured will be best positioned to weather changes to market.

Insurer looks for increased efficiency, service as product is purchased to administer MTL’s life insurance, annuity business.

Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of nearly 800 life/health insurers in the United States annually and identifies top performers in each segment. The Ward’s 50 life/health group of insurance companies produced a 19.0 percent statutory return on average equity from 2007 to 2011 compared with 3.4 percent for the life/health industry overall.

GEICO, RLI and USAA make the list for the 22nd consecutive year.